The U.S. Department of State has issued a travel warning for Cuba in conjunction with an order of departure for non-essential U.S. Embassy employees and families in light of recent mysterious sonic attacks involving U.S. diplomats in Cuba. There have been no reports of incidents against U.S. travelers or civilians. While the travel warning advises U.S. citizens against travel to Cuba, those currently abroad have not been instructed or advised to depart the country.
At this time, Arcadia University does not believe these incidents pose an imminent threat to our students in-country and will continue our program at the University of Havana. The attacks have been targeted only at U.S. and Canadian diplomats, reportedly in diplomatic residences and hotels. Arcadia students reside in a residential neighborhood and have little reason to be in hotels. However, out of an abundance of caution, we are advising students to avoid hotels and places frequented by Americans for the near future.
We remain committed to our programming in Cuba and will continue to monitor this situation closely with our Resident Director and colleagues in Havana, contacts at the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), as well as our private security provider to determine any possible risk to our students. We will regularly re-evaluate to ensure we are prioritizing student safety.
If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Maureen Gordon, Director of Health, Safety, and Security; Kara Amoratis, Assistant Director of Health, Safety and Security; or Tim Barton, Director of Student Life and Support Services.